ORGANIC BACKYARD POULTRY WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, APRIL 30
AT HIGH MEADOW FARM IN HUBBARDSTON
HUBBARDSTRON, MA – On Saturday, April 30, Northeast Organic Farming Association/ Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass), is sponsoring a workshop in Hubbardston on how to raise backyard poultry using organic methods. Jassy and Tom Bratko will teach the workshop, at their farm, High Meadow Farm on 28 High Street from 9am to noon.
Registration for the workshop is $30, and it is open to the public on a first come, first served basis. There is a $5 discount for NOFA members.
Tom and Jassy keep a small flock of laying hens and raise 100 meat birds each year. In addition to chickens they raise 100% grass fed beef, woodland raised pork and sustainably grown apples, peaches and plums. Although not certified organic, they follow all organic practices on their farm. You can see more about their farm at their website www.highmeadowfarms.com.
"We are committed to raising our fruit and livestock in a way the protects the environment and respects the health and well-being of the animals," said Jassy. Speaking about the workshop, she said "we want to show how easy it really is to raise your own chickens."
At their workshop, participants will learn to raise chicks from day-old until slaughter. Participants will visit the chicken coop where laying hens are housed in winter and where baby chicks get started in the spring. There will be a demonstration of the chicken tractors where meat birds and layers are kept from April to December. Other topics include: breeds; predator control; and electric and non-electric fencing. Geared to beginners, the workshop will show how fun and easy it is to produce delicious eggs and succulent, juicy chicken.
“Raising chickens for food is a great way to save money while also making you directly aware of where your food comes from," said Grosscup, Education Events Coordinator for NOFA/Mass. "Whether it’s the backyard garden or the backyard chicken coop, taking responsibility for where our food comes from is on the rise."
Raising backyard poultry has been gaining in popularity in Massachusetts. Chicken supply stores all across the state report major spikes in business. Steve Gould who works at the Hardwick Farmers Cooperative Exchange, and raises poultry himself, says business in backyard poultry has been steadily increasing. "Four years ago, we were selling about 900 chicks for Spring chick day. Last year we sold 1,400 and this year we have 1,600 chicks coming in for our Spring chick day. Lots of people are wanting to raise just a few birds in their yard both for meat and eggs. We recently had 55 people show up at the store for a power point presentation on raising poultry, so the interest is definitely high."
"Whenever there’s a lot of new people coming into a new husbandry practice like this, there can be a bit of a learning curve to climb," said Grosscup. "The workshops NOFA/Mass sponsor emphasize raising poultry in a way that is healthy for the birds and for the people eating their eggs and meat. These workshops are for people who are new at raising backyard birds and looking for some pointers from experts for having a successful year."
In addition to the workshop in Hubbardston, NOFA/Mass is holding workshops throughout the rest of the 2011 growing season in Hatfield (April 23), Shrewsbury (June 4), Wendell (June 25), Barre (July 16), and Concord (July 23).
This page was last modified on April 20, 2011 at 11:41:37 AM.
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